Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.116 - To rename the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Dallas, Texas, as the Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center. (119th Congress)

Summary

S.116 proposes renaming the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Dallas, Texas, to the Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center. This bill acknowledges Congresswoman Johnson's service as a psychiatric nurse and her legislative efforts supporting veterans. The bill aims to honor her contributions by naming a significant institution after her.

Expected Effects

If enacted, the medical center in Dallas will be officially known as the Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center. All references to the facility in laws, regulations, and documents will be updated to reflect the new name. This change primarily serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Potential Benefits

  • Honors a Public Servant: Recognizes Eddie Bernice Johnson's contributions to veterans' healthcare and her long career in public service.
  • Symbolic Value: Provides a lasting tribute to her legacy within the veteran community and the Dallas area.
  • Increased Awareness: May raise awareness of the services provided by the VA medical center and the importance of veteran care.
  • Community Pride: Could foster a sense of pride and connection within the Dallas community, particularly among veterans and their families.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Minimal Practical Impact: The renaming itself does not directly improve healthcare services or infrastructure for veterans.
  • Potential for Controversy: Renaming decisions can sometimes be contentious, depending on public perception and political considerations.
  • Administrative Costs: While likely minimal, there may be some costs associated with updating signage, documents, and records to reflect the new name.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the general powers of Congress to legislate for the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble of the US Constitution. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to establish post offices and post roads, which has been interpreted to include broader powers related to federal facilities and services. The act of naming a federal facility does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).